09/28/2009
Name: Mark
Bajalia
Age: 41
Family: Married to Mirielle “Mimi” and the proud father of two daughters, Juliana (7) and Olivia (5)
Pets: None at this time
Education: B.S. – University of Florida; J.D. – Cumberland/Samford University
Admitted to the Bar: 1994
Employed by: Brennan, Manna & Diamond
Field of practice: Commercial Litigation and Health Care
Professional organizations: Florida Bar, American Bar Association (Litigation and Health Care Sections), Jacksonville Bar Association (Chair of Professionalism Committee), American Inn Of Courts (Chester Bedell Chapter)
Community involvement: HandsOn Jacksonville (formerly, Volunteer Jacksonville) Blueprint for Leadership Class of 2009; HandsOn Jacksonville Development Committee and Board of Directors intern; ImpactJax; Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce; Community Connections; Trial Advocacy Coach at Florida Coastal School of Law
How did you get involved?
I have always supported various non-profits and participated in certain projects and fundraisers, but it wasn’t until I learned about HandsOn Jacksonville did I realize the full array of opportunities that exist to volunteer, give back and help our community. I applied for their Blueprint for Leadership class, and having now graduated from it, have a great working knowledge of how non-profits work for the betterment of the Jacksonville community.
How can someone else get involved?
HandsOn Jacksonville’s mission is to inspire, equip and mobilize people to take action that changes the world and they make it very easy for anyone who is interested to get involved by creating quality volunteer experiences for people who want to make a difference. You can find a number of great volunteer opportunities at their Web site at www.handsonjacksonville.org.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I have learned that we can all “be the change” by volunteering and that as government budgets tighten up, it is more important than ever that community groups and non-profit groups help to fill in the gaps to address critical community needs. As lawyers, we can not simply “practice law” … we must serve our community in a much broader sense if we are to truly call ourselves professionals.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Last book read/re-read “True Professionalism” by David Maister. Currently reading “The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown.
